Delhi
Claridges is a grand and iconic hotel in New Dehli. Built in 1952, this elegant hotel is set within delightful landscaped gardens in the business dis...
Images of India - From the Himalayas to the Taj Mahal
16 days from £3395 per person
Squeezed between Tibet, Nepal and the lowland plains of India the state of Uttarakhand sits in the shadow of the mighty Himalayas. Travelling by train to Haridwar, time is spent in this holy pilgrimage city and neighbouring Rishikesh before continuing to fabulous Corbett National Park, India's oldest wildlife sanctuary. From here drive to Almora and the beautiful resort of Kalmatia Sangam, nestled in the heart of the Kumaon Hills and an area ideal for walkers. After an overnight stay in little-visited Garmukteshwar at Fort Unchagaon and a visit to Agra, conclude the journey in India's capital Delhi.
Journey Highlights
Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is a pilgrimage centre and one of the holiest sites for Hindus. Ashrams and temples are abundant along the banks of the Ganges.
The earliest National Park in India, Jim Corbett National Park was established in 1936 and, within dense forest, protects a wide variety of animals including the elusive tiger.
Experience the majesty of the Taj Mahal. An essential destination for the romantically inclined. This ancient monument clad in translucent marble never fails to impress at any time of day.
Day 1 Depart the UK
Today depart the UK on the Jet Airways flight to Delhi. (N)
Day 2 Arrive Delhi
Arrive into Delhi and stay overnight at Le Meridien New Delhi. Alternatively upgrade to the Claridges Hotel or the Imperial Hotel. Delhi is India's capital and a city of two halves. Old Delhi - the heart of Muslim India between the 17th and 19th centuries - is an historic district of grand mosques, majestic forts and crumbling monuments. In contrast New Delhi, with its large government buildings, wide tree-lined avenues and pretty white-washed bungalows was purpose-built in the 1930s by the British as a colonial capital and remains the epicentre of Indian political power. (N)
Day 3 Delhi to Haridwar – by train
This morning catch the train to Haridwar where you will stay for two nights at the Haveli Hari Ganga which is located in the heart of the city on the banks of the River Ganges. Along with Rishikesh, Haridwar is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre and a site of the famous Kumbh Mela which is held here every twelve years. Haridwar is also the starting point for visits to the Rajaji National Park which lies to the east of the city. (B/D)
Day 4 Haridwar – visit Rishikesh
At leisure to mingle with the sadhus and rishis in Haridwar and the neighbouring pilgrimage town of Rishikesh. Like Haridwar, bustling Rishikesh is set along the banks of the River Ganges. Best known for its ashrams and gurus, this holy town remains an important stopping point for pilgrims on their way to higher Himalayan shrines. (B/D)
Day 5 Haridwar to Corbett – 190kms
Today travel by road to Corbett National Park and stay three nights at Jim's Jungle Retreat which is located to the southeast of the reserve close to Ramnagar. Established in 1935, this is India's oldest and best known wildlife sanctuary. Corbett is named after the hunter-turned-conservationist and author Jim Corbett who lived in the area for many years and who wrote the legendary book ‘Man Eaters of Kumaon’. Later there will be an opportunity for birding or to take a village, flora and fauna guided walk. (B/D)
Day 6 Corbett
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Day 7 Corbett
Situated along a valley of the Ramganga River and bordered by the Himalayan foothills, Corbett encompasses a varied terrain ranging from savannah grassland to deciduous forest. The park also supports a remarkable variety of wildlife including elephant and bear, leopard and tiger and is home to an astonishing 600 species of birds. Viewing at Corbett is undertaken by shared jeep and today visit the park at sunrise and sunset. (B/L/D)
Day 8 Corbett to Binsar – 165kms
After breakfast leave Corbett and continue your journey stopping en-route to visit the old Raj hill town of Ranikhet. Stay for three nights at the delightful Mary Budden Estate, a charming hometsay set within the Binsar Sanctuary - a celebrated haven for Himalayan wildlife and birds. Alternatively stay outside of Almora at the Kalmatia Sangam Himalayan Resort which is nestled in the heart of the Kumaon Hills. (B/L/D)
Day 9 Binsar
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Day 10 Binsar
Over the next two days relax and explore the surrounding area. There are numerous walks and treks to enjoy and many offer some excellent views of the Himalayas. This is a truly beautiful region home to picturesque wooden villages, terraced fields, waterfalls and pine, cedar, oak and rhododendron forests. The Binsar Sanctuary and Almora, with its interesting shops, can also be explored. (B/L/D)
Day 11 Binsar to Garmukteshwar – 320kms
Leaving Kalmatia Sangam, continue by road on the long journey to Garmukteshwar, an important Hindu town near the Ganges, for an overnight stay at Fort Unchagaon. Originally made of mud, the walls of the fort were later replaced by brick before a total renovation during the 1930s gave Fort Unchagaon its distinctive colonial appearance. (B/D)
Day 12 Garmukteshwar to Agra – 180kms
via Sikandra
This morning leave Garmukteshwar and travel on towards Agra, stopping on the way at Sikandra, site of Akbar's tomb. Later continue to Agra, one of Uttar Pradesh's largest cities and home to home to three magnificent buildings - Agra Fort, the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula and the Taj Mahal. Stay for two nights at the ITC Mughal Hotel. (B)
Day 13 Agra
Today explore the city with your guide. Agra was once one of the world's majestic cities and later today visit the imposing Agra Fort, established by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565, and the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula. No stay in Agra is complete without a visit to the Taj Mahal, arguably the greatest monument to love, built by Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz. The Taj Mahal is a building world renowned for its beauty and the craftsmanship is outstanding. (B)
Day 14 Agra to Delhi – 210kms
Later today leave Agra and return to Delhi. On your arrival stay for two nights at Le Meridien New Delhi. Alternatively upgrade to the Claridges Hotel or the Imperial Hotel. (B)
Day 15 Delhi
After breakfast commence a morning tour of Old Delhi with your guide to explore the area's dense network of bustling alleyways, homes, bazaars and mosques visiting famous Chandni Chowk market, the beautiful Jama Masjid, the Red Fort and Rajghat. In the afternoon continue to New Delhi which was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and is today home to Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the Indian President, Rajpath and the imposing India Gate. (B)
Day 16 Delhi to UK
Today transfer back to Delhi Airport to catch the Jet Airways flight non-stop to the UK. (B)
KEY: N = No meals B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner
Delhi
The Imperial Hotel is located on the prestigious Queen's Way, now known as Janpath, and is a stone's throw away from Connaught Place, a fashionable s...
Agra
The ITC Mughal Hotel is a comfortable, modern hotel in the historic city of Agra. There are 35 acres of lush landscaped gardens and the hotel is i...
Corbett National Park
This delightful eco retreat is set within the desirable setting of Corbett Tiger Reserve, cradled between the towering foothills of the Himalayas in...
Agra
Lying in view of the Taj Mahal, the Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel reflects the romantic grandeur of this great monum...
What's included
- International flights from the UK
- Train travel as specified
- Private car with English speaking driver
- Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
- Wildlife viewing with local naturalist
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
What's not included
- Cost of visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
Guide to Price
The price above is a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season. If you wish to travel alone we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements and will provide a proposal on request
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